This quiz is based on Aron, A., Aron, E. N., & Smollan, D. (1992). Inclusion of other in the self scale and the structure of interpersonal closeness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 63(4), 596-612.
The purpose of this quiz is to help you think about your own motivation for dancing. It is based on Hancox et al. (2015).
Instructions
There are 24 statements in the Dance Motivation Quiz. Your task is to rate how true each statement is for you right now.
There is a strong body of evidence suggesting a link between dance and mental wellbeing – such that engaging in dance-based activities can have a positive impact on many different aspects of wellbeing.
This insight outlines three recent papers in the area: Bojner Horwitz et al. (2022), McCrary et al. (2021) and Pezdek et al. (2022).
Most research on dance and wellbeing focuses on mood. Does dancing make us feel happier, reduce anxiety, or improve emotional wellbeing? In this exploratory study, we asked a different question: does dancing help people flourish?
Using the Flourishing Scale developed by Diener and colleagues, we examined the relationship between dance frequency and psychological flourishing in a sample of 262 participants. The findings revealed a clear positive association: people who danced more frequently reported higher levels of flourishing. Most intriguingly, the strongest relationships were with purpose and meaning in life, supportive relationships, competence, and engagement, rather than happiness or social status.
Welcome to the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS). You will see a list of twenty words which describe how people feel. For each word, please indicate the extent you have felt this way over the past week. You will see your Positive Affect Score and your Negative Affect Score. This quiz is based on Watson, D., Clark, L. A., & Tellegen, A. (1988).
Social Connection is the experience of feeling close and connected to others. Social connectedness can be defined as the experience of belonging to a social relationship or network.
The construct of perceived Self-efficacy reflects an optimistic self-belief (Schwarzer, 1992). This is the belief that one can perform a novel or difficult tasks, or cope with adversity — in various domains of human functioning. Perceived self-efficacy facilitates goal-setting, effort investment, persistence in face of barriers and recovery from setbacks. It can be regarded as a positive resistance resource factor. Ten items are designed to tap this construct. Each item refers to successful coping and implies an internal-stable attribution of success.
Scanxiety describes anxiety associated with waiting for medical scan results. There is a growing medical and academic literature on cancer-related scanxiety.
The Flourishing Quiz is based on: Diener, E., Wirtz, D., Tov, W., Kim-Prieto, C., Choi, D-w., Oishi, S. & Biswas-Diener, R. (2010). New Well-Being Measures:…
Can’t stand your colleague? You’re not alone. But did you know dancing together can increase trust and collaboration? Try this fun quiz from Doctor Dance and discover how movement transforms working relationships.
Emotional Intelligence is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express your emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. Take the Quiz.
This quiz is about your Dance-related Anxiety.
The quiz includes 7 statements about how you have been feeling in the last two weeks in relation to your dance world.
For each question, think about how it applies to you as a dancer (e.g. in dance class, rehearsal, competitions, exams, auditions, performances etc.).
We have an old-fashioned relationship with movement and learning. We rarely allow them to happen at the same time. In schools and universities around the…
In this blog I describe a research paper by Haputhanthirige et al. which addresses the question of whether taking part in a series of dance sessions can improve the way that people with Parkinson’s walk
People have understood the importance of human movement for centuries – it’s great for our mind, our body and our social relationships. Yet we live…
When we say a dance intervention is “evidence-based,” it should mean that we’ve taken a careful, scientific look at how and why it works. This isn’t just about claiming that dance is good for you; it’s about demonstrating that specific approaches to dance lead to specific, measurable potential outcomes.
Whether it’s for cancer recovery, Parkinson’s disease, mental health, or general wellbeing, evidence is what separates well-meaning ideas from interventions that truly make a difference.
Yet, it seems that the label “evidence-based” is sometimes used loosely, and that’s a problem for those who trust these interventions.
“For what lies ahead, you need to be as fit and strong as possible”, said the doctor, after telling me I had a malignant tumour.
When you hear the term “pension pot,” you probably think about saving money for retirement, ensuring financial stability in later life. But what if we applied the same concept to our health and wellbeing?
Imagine a “wellbeing pension pot”—something we invest in across our lives to increase the likelihood of living a healthier, more fulfilling life as we age. Just as with financial investments, the earlier you start contributing, the greater the potential rewards.
Dance, as part of a lifelong preventative health lifestyle, can play a powerful role in building up this wellbeing pension pot. Not only does dance offer immediate physical and mental health benefits, but the consistent, long-term practice of dance can contribute to increased resilience, reduced risk of chronic disease, and a higher quality of life in later years. Let’s explore how dance can be one of the most enjoyable and impactful ways to invest in your health and wellbeing for the long haul.
Did you know, the Move-Assure warm up can be used, on its own, as an effective break from prolonged sitting at work?
According to scientists, prolonged sitting at work can lead to adverse health outcomes – it can lead to physical discomfort in your neck, shoulders and lower back.
How much of the way you move comes from you, and how much emerges between you and someone else? Learn one short Doctor Dance Dose, try it alone and with a partner, and explore how relationships may shape movement.
I carried out a survey several years ago asking people why they do or don’t dance. Around 1,000 people completed the survey.
Of those who do dance, most identified as female, and of those who don’t dance, most identified as male.
Here are the reasons men give for not dancing based around the theme of self-consciousness.
Dancing is a brilliant way to get your wellbeing back. Here are my ten top-tips for how to feel great when you gyrate.
One of the most shocking things about the work presented in The Miracle Pill by Peter Walker is the relationship between three things. 1 –…
Can an online dance class improve people’s mental health and social connection? This is the question addressed by Humphries, Rugh, Patrick & Basso (2022) in…
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of presenting a keynote speech at The Fourth National Summit on Promoting Well-being and Resilience in Healthcare Professionals, organized by The Ohio State University. This summit addressed a critical issue: supporting the well-being of healthcare professionals, whose roles often come with unique pressures and high levels of responsibility. Healthcare professionals work tirelessly to care for others, but in doing so, they face significant mental, emotional, and physical challenges that can lead to burnout and reduced job satisfaction. In my keynote, I discussed the remarkable effects of recreational dance on promoting well-being and resilience—a concept that has been central to my research and practice as Doctor Dance.
At Doctor Dance, we believe that everyone deserves to experience the joy and freedom of dance. By taking big steps to make dance visible, accessible, and inclusive, we can help more people discover their inner dancer. Whether through online classes, community events, or simply creating safe spaces to explore movement, there are countless ways to foster a world where dance is truly for everyone.
The Happy Dance always makes me smile – I’ve been dancing it since 2010 and it feels like a part of my personality now. I’ve danced it to all kinds of pop songs, from Imma Be by the Black Eyed Pees to Can’t Stop the Feeling! by Justin Timberlake. Try combining The Happy Dance with Dance Number 001 Stayin Alive and dancing them both to We No Speak Americano by Yolanda Be Cool.
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In her 2021 book MOVE! The New Science of Body Over Mind – Caroline Williams puts forward a Movement Manifesto. Caroline’s Movement Manifesto recognises that…
Dance Psychology is the study of dance and dancers from a scientific and psychological perspective. In this lecture I define the scope of Dance Psychology. You will be introduced to four areas of Psychology from a dance perspective – these are social psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology and biological psychology. I then look at different styles and methods of dance and consider these from a psychological perspective. I end with an overview of the other topics covered in this webinar series.
The Glide and Slide is a great dance for a small space – it’s got marching, stretching and sudden changes of direction to keep your mind busy. Dance it slow to Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars or fast to You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) by Sylvester – and don’t forget to groove between repetitions.
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In their book, “Brain-based Learning – Teaching the Way Students Really Learn”, Eric Jensen and Liesl McConchie describe research which shows a link between physical…
At Doctor Dance, we believe that dance has the power to transform lives. But, if you’re reading this, perhaps you’re someone who wishes you could dance yet feels held back by certain obstacles. You’re not alone! Many people feel drawn to dance but hesitate due to various psychological, circumstantial, or social barriers. Let’s explore these common barriers and, more importantly, how you can overcome them. Whether you’re yearning to unleash your inner dancer or simply curious about the therapeutic power of dance, this post is for you.
https://vimeo.com/592140915 Did you know – belonging to a sport or exercise group can help protect people against depression. That’s according to new research published…
Have you ever wondered why some dancers seem to burn with unstoppable passion, while others — even those with huge talent — lose heart and fade away? It’s not just about talent. It’s not just about hard work. It’s about motivation — and understanding it deeply can change everything.
Whether you’re a dancer in training, a professional dancer, or a dance teacher, motivation is the invisible force that drives every plié, every pirouette, every leap of faith on and off the stage. But here’s the secret: motivation isn’t something you’re just born with — it’s something you can build, strengthen, and protect.
When dance and movement programmes for Parkinson’s first began emerging, not everyone in medicine was convinced. This video explores how scientific evidence, rather than enthusiasm alone, shapes attitudes toward dance and Parkinson’s disease.
It’s another Bank Holiday here in the UK, and that means something important didn’t happen this week… we didn’t have our weekly Doctor Dance community class. And I’ve got to admit – I’ve been feeling a bit blurgh.
That got me thinking: What actually happens to us when we miss a dance class?
The Mental Wellbeing Quiz helps you to monitor and track your mental wellbeing. Your mental wellbeing is categorised in 6 areas of your life. These are: social connections, physical activity, learning new skills, giving to others, being mindful, and your self-concept.
Imagine this: The music starts, the lights rise, and the stage is yours. Your heart pounds against your ribs, your mouth is dry, and your mind — once so full of focus and fluid movement — suddenly goes blank. Your legs, usually so reliable, feel shaky and weak. You know the choreography. You’ve rehearsed for months. But at this very moment, it’s as if your own body has turned against you.
As Dance Psychology is the study of dance and dancers from a scientific and psychological perspective, it is important to have an understanding of the research methods that underpin the discipline. In this webinar we look at Dance Psychology from a scientific, research-based, perspective. You will be introduced to six key steps in the scientific method: Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experimentation, Analysis and Reporting. Each of these steps is discussed within a Dance Psychology perspective.
Imagine this: it’s 8:36am on a Tuesday. A thousand people are walking to work across Westminster Bridge. Each person is in their own world – eyes down, headphones in, thoughts scattered between deadlines, to-do lists, and missed breakfasts. Then, without warning, something strange and wonderful happens.
In this lecture, you will explore the fascinating interplay between nature and nurture in the development of dance and rhythmic behavior. You’ll learn about the innate abilities of babies to detect rhythm, move in response to music, and learn through body movement, supported by key research studies. We’ll examine how movement shapes musical preferences, the role of prenatal and early-life experiences, and the social and neurological foundations of dance. By the end, you’ll gain insights into whether humans are born to dance, how nurture influences this capacity, and how dance connects us socially and culturally from infancy onward.
When I introduced ballet into the StackAdapt event, my hope was that some of the audience might reflect and change the way they think.
“If I can change the way I think about ballet (from something that “other” people do either in a studio or on stage while wearing tights or a tutu, to something that I can do in five minutes in business attire) perhaps I can also change the way I think about XYZ”.
The Cromer Crab dance was inspired by the famous crabs and lobsters that live in the sea close to my hometown of Cromer in North Norfolk. The Cromer Crab can be danced to such a wide range of music – I’ve danced it to slow tempo pop music, such as Roar by Katy Perry, to fast tempo pop, such as Animal by Mabel and if you want to invoke a more traditional vibe try dancing it to music for Scottish Reels, such as Duke of Perth by Jim MacLeod & His Band.
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The Charleston is a fun social dance from the 1920’s. It’s easy, carefree and joyful and it provides a wonderful basis for embellishing or improvising on the steps – make the kicks high or low, move those knees and arms as freely or constrained as you like and fill your heart with joy as you straighten up and turn for the last eight counts. Try dancing it out to Bang Bang by Will.I.Am and imagine you’re a glittering character in The Great Gatsby.
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We all know that a quick boogie gives us a short-term high and makes us feel good.
However, to get a longer term boost to our cognitive performance we need to dance for longer, much longer.
A recent research study (Aguiñaga et al., 2022) looking at the relationship between Latin dance and working memory suggests we need to keep dancing for several months.
This dance is easy, fun and lively, and all about CHEERfulness. My favourite song for the Cheer dance is We Are Family by Sister Sledge – because the song is all about optiminism and togetherness. No Pom-Poms required.
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The Doctor Dance Line dances are simple and fun and are fantastic for stimulating memory and spatial awareness. Try dancing this to Achy Breaky Heart by the Delta Line Dance Band or Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo by Tracy Byrd.
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The Doctor Dance Line dances are simple and fun and are fantastic for stimulating memory and spatial awareness. Try dancing this to Cotton Eyed Joe by Rednex or I’m From The Country by Tracy Byrd.
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On The Floor can be danced slow with a jazzy vibe or faster with an upbeat disco/club feel. For the slow jazzy vibe try dancing it to Roof Garden by Al Jarreau and for the disco/club feel give it’s namesake, On The Floor by J Lo with Pitbull a whirl. And don’t forget to groove between repetitions of the choreography.
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This is a classic boogie inspired by John Travolta and the Saturday Night Fever era. Try dancing it to Stayin Alive by the Bee Gees and don’t forget to incorporate a little freestyle groove between each repetition of the choreography.
This dance is about the contrast between holding and melting movements – about taking a pose, freezing, and letting it melt away. I love dancing it to Out Here on My Own by Irene Cara, from the soundtrack to FAME!
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I love this dance, and I hope you will too. Dance it to Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder, and you absolutely MUST freestyle boogie between each repetition of the choreography. Enjoy!
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Mr Pinstripe has a carefree 1920’s feel and it’s best danced with a smile on your face. Try dancing along to Mr Pinstripe by DJ Maksy.
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The Leo is named after the seventies pop superstar Leo Sayer – You can dance The Leo as a slow version to You Make Me Feel Like Dancing by Leo Sayer and once you’ve got the movements in your body you can try dancing it at a faster pace to Leo Sayer’s Thunder in My Heart.
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This is a calm, slow dance inspired by a ballet class adagio. You can do this dance in complete silence, moving on your breath, and the piano music in the video above works beautifully too.
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The Willowy Wander is a dance filled with imagery – I see the first section as petals opening on a flower, the second section as the tension between stretching for the future while being anchored in the past, the third section is about flicking away tears, the fourth is about being lost while wandering and the final section is about loving with all your heart. I choreographed the dance while listening to Lost by Michael Buble.
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